A bill addressing pet safety in Massachusetts kennels was signed into law Thursday.
Until now, Bay State had no oversight of puppy day care or boarding facilities. The only requirement for owners of four or more dogs was to obtain a kennel license.
Governor Maura Healey signed a bill known as “Oley’s Law” that requires the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to establish rules and regulations regarding pet boarding facilities.
“How we treat animals says something about us as people and as a community,” Healy said Thursday. “This is about protecting our four-legged friends, but before this law was signed, we didn’t have those regulations and protections in place. We don’t have them now. ”
The legislation honors Ollie, a 7-month-old Labradoodle who was fatally injured in a fight. Ollie’s owner, Amy Baxter, was unable to get any answers from the facility about what happened.
Baxter said in a statement: “I am honored to be able to continue Ollie’s legacy of protecting and helping other dogs.” “While nothing can alleviate his pain and suffering, it is a bit of a silver lining to know he is being remembered in this way.”
Other recent incidents have also highlighted the need for regulation.
April Barnhart of Raleigh was charged with 40 counts of animal cruelty in 2022 when police found 37 dogs living in cramped conditions in a trailer.
And last year, a former Massachusetts firefighter was placed on probation for animal cruelty.
“We now give pet owners rights, so when they bring their dogs in and when we take them to boarding facilities or kennels, We have a right to protect them.”
“I’m a total kennel and believe in this law,” said Lisa Cutting, who owns Oceanview Kennels in Revere. “I think there should be stricter regulations regarding kennels, daycares and dog walking.”
